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Season Six Episodes Summary
Episodes 148 to 155
Opening Theme: Grip! (96-127) & One Day, One Dream (128-153) & Angelus (154-167)
Ending Themes: Itazura na Kiss (109-127) & Come (128-148) & Brand New World (149-155) & My Will (156-157)
Series Director: Yasunao Aoki
Producers: Michihiko Suwa, Hideyuki Tomioka
Music: Kaoru Wada
Character Designs: Yoshihito Hishinuma
Art Director: Shigemi Ikeda
Episode 148
Aired: 4/12/04
Meguriau Mae no Ummei Renka (2) (Spring Special)
A Fateful Love Song from Before we Met (2)
The demon attack sews seeds of doubt inside Kikyo. Frightened she’s losing her spiritual strength and fearful she can’t protect the Shikon no Tama, Kikyo makes Inuyasha a proposition: if he uses the power of the jewel to become fully human, rather than demon, the jewel will cease to be. With no Shikon no Tama to protect, they can both live together peacefully as an ordinary human couple. Inuyasha agrees, wanting nothing more than a normal life with the woman he loves. They arrange to meet at dawn and complete their plan. Naraku disguises himself as Inuyasha and discovers the young lover’s arrangement. Awaiting Inuyasha at dawn, Kikyo is brutally attacked by the disguised Naraku who steals the Shikon no Tama from her dying grasp. As Inuyasha, Naraku tells the gravely wounded miko he had no intention to become human; all he wanted was a chance to take the jewel. Betrayed by love she once felt, Kikyo swears revenge for Inuyasha’s scorn. As Kikyo’s clings to life, Naraku returns the Shikon no Tama to the village shrine, disguising himself as Kikyo, and sets off to meet Inuyasha. Inuyasha waits for Kikyo by the Goshinboku tree when “she” arrives armed, and ready to kill. Naraku/Kikyo tells Inuyasha their meeting was a trick to make him vulnerable. Her real intention was to kill him and remove another threat to the Shikon no Tama. Angered by his lover’s treachery, Inuyasha dodges “Kikyo’s” barrage of arrows and heads to the village to steal the Shikon Jewel. The real Kikyo pursues the real Inuyasha to the village. As he tries to escape with the Shikon no Tama, Kikyo corners Inuyasha by the Goshenboku tree, and shoots her last arrow, piercing Inuyasha’s heart and pinning him to the scared tree. They watch each other as they ‘die’ unaware they were innocent victims of Naraku’s sinister plot. But karma has the last laugh - the Shikon Jewel is cremated with Kikyo’s remains. In spite of all his foul manipulation, Naraku is denied his prize. Time passes and Kaede grows old. For some strange reason, however, Inuyasha’s impaled body remains the same. For fifty years Kaede visits the Goshenboku, finding the half-demon unchanged until, one day, a young girl in strange clothing emerges from of the old Bone-Eater’s well. Her name is Kagome and she’s about to change the world.
Episode 149
Aired: 4/26/04
Hara wo yobu ippon no ya
An Arrow Brewing Up Disturbance
The encounter with Abi-Hime and her vampire birds raises a disturbing question among Inuyasha’s team; why is Naraku using Abi-Hime to collect blood? The only reason could be the blood is somehow connected to his effort to reach the other world and capture the final lost jewel shard. While they contemplate Naraku’s motives, Abi-Hime’s flock consumes helpless villages across the land leaving few survivors. In more pleasant surroundings, Rin and Jaken receive a visit from Kagura. Bitter from her subjugation by Naraku and Hakudoshi, Kagura is looking for a champion capable of destroying both demons: Sessho-maru! But her potential defender is elsewhere and his minion, Jaken, is hostile towards the wind sorceress. Left to fend for herself, Kagura reconsiders her position and the importance of the 2nd “split” baby. Naraku has placed great importance on protecting the small demon and it may be that the demonic baby is the key to destroying Naraku! Elsewhere, at a stately castle, the noblewoman gives birth to a stillborn baby. Her heartbreak is just the start of more tragedy as Kanna arrives with the second demonic child. After murdering the woman’s attendants, Kanna places the noblewoman under her spell, replacing the deceased child with Naraku’s offspring. A new day finds Inuyasha and the other’s following Abi-Hime’s trail of destruction. No one has a clue where they might locate Naraku’s avian accomplice and frustration runs high. Kagome spots a small, struggling group of villagers on the road ahead. The team stops to help, and their good deed is rewarded with information that may prove useful. The villagers are headed to the town of the Saint; a holy person they believe will protect them from the birds. The villagers describe the Saint as mysterious - cloaked to hide form and face, mute - speaking only through two young female assistants, and rumored to possess great spiritual power. Although it sounds like wishful thinking, the team knows that where people gather; Abi-Hime’s birds will certainly follow and attack. The team’s prediction about the bird attack is realized as they near the Saint’s town. Hakudoushi and Kagura smugly observe Abi-Hime’s birds swoop down to attack innocent refugees. Inuyasha and the gang arrive in time to defend the helpless people. Hakudoshi and Kagura join the flock’s assault in an effort to delay the team’s arrival. While they protect the survivors in the mountains, Abi-Hime and a second flock attack the town. Disgusted by Hakudoshi’s treachery, Inuyasha attacks but is easily repelled by Hakudoshi’s barrier. Nearby, a cloaked figure observes the fight - the mysterious Saint. Inuyasha powers up Tetsusaiga, but even the red Tetsusaiga cannot penetrate Hakudoshi’s barrier. Unseen by all, the Saint draws a bow and fires a powerful spirit arrow piercing the demonic membrane, blowing it apart and leaving Hakudoshi vulnerable. Seizing the chance, Inuyasha blasts the brat to bits. Kagura swoops in and scoops up what remains of the vile child - his head - that continues barking orders at her! With Hakudoshi removed, Inuyasha destroys Entei with a Bakuryuuha blast. Entei is vanquished, Hakudoshi is out of commission but the team now confronts a mystery. Was it the Saint who fired the arrow that severely damaged Hakudoshi?
Episode 150
Aired: 5/3/04
Seija wo michibiku hushigina hikari
The Mysterious Light that Guides the Saint
The Saint's arrow is troubling - especially for Kagome and Inuyasha. Only one individual can wield the power to destroy Hakudoshi’s barrier: Kikyo. Although Inuyasha is torn between hope and denial, Kagome‘s heart is frozen by certainty Hiriji-sama must be Kikyo. The team continues their journey to Hiriji-sama’s town were they hope to end the mystery of the ‘saint’ and Abi-Hime’s reign of terror. In a cave near Hiriji-sama’s town, townsfolk huddle inside a protective barrier created by the saint. One of the Saint’s young assistants, a young girl, tries to keep the people calm inside the shield. Outside, Abi-Hime wages an all-out assault. Flaming demonic birds hurl themselves at the barrier, ferociously pecking and clawing, terrifying the villages within. Hijiri-sama arrives driving away Abi-Hime with a single, powerful arrow that incinerates scores of birds. When Inuyasha and the others arrive later, they find a killing field filled with charred bird carcasses. Kagome is first to ask the villagers - “where is the Saint?” They tell her the Saint has gone to find and destroy the bird’s nest. Turning to Inuyasha, Kagome asks him if they should follow. The request disturbs Inuyasha: if the enigmatic ‘saint’ is Kikyo, why hasn’t she revealed herself to him? Inuyasha asks Kagome if she’s all right with pursuing the Saint in case it’s Kikyo. She wants to know what he’ll do if it is Kikyo. Inuyasha admits he doesn’t know. Regardless of the Saint's identity, the team still has a job to do - locate and kill the demon birds. Someone else wants to find the Saint, too. Hakudoshi. As the demon child heals his devastated body, Kagura observes and plans. Elsewhere, Kaede’s village receives two odd visitors. Kaede and two village men catch the Saint's two peculiar young assistants taking soil from Kikyo’s grave. The theft of the soil stirs up a grim memory for Kaede -- there can only be one reason for them to take such a thing … Following the Saint's trail, the team notices an abundance of yokai. The demons seem to be headed in the same direction they are. Further into their journey, Kagome takes notice of something sparkling in the distance and Inuyasha confirms it’s a waterfall. The waves of the ubiquitous yokai rush towards the shimmering water, but are destroyed by a powerful spirit arrow shot from the woods near the falls. The angry demons turn their attention to the team and attack. Inuyasha places Kagome in the protection of Sango and Miroku, facing the demonic horde alone. As he prepares to blow away the onslaught with Tetsusaiga, Inuyasha wonders what he’ll do if the Saint is Kikyo. He quickly vanquishes his opponents and dashes off into the woods, determined to find Hiriji-sama and solve the puzzle. Inuyasha’s search stops cold - his path blocked by an imposing female figure on horseback: the Saint. Startled, Inuyasha tensely demands the silent, shrouded rider to show him her face. The two young girls with the Saint tell Inuyasha that the miasma has affected their mistress so badly she is weak and cannot speak. Only her soul can fight but that too, is fading quickly. Certain the veiled person before him is Kikyo, Inuyasha rushes towards her. As he draws near, Hiriji-sama is ripped apart by familiar blades. The Saint's decapitated head has a familiar face -- Kikyo. Horrified, Inuyasha grabs for Hiriji-sama as her body dissolves. Nothing is left of her but a small paper doll; the Saint was a shikigama puppet. A well-known laugh taunts him and, looking up, he spots Kagura. Naraku has dispatched the wind sorceress to locate Kikyo. She was also deceived by Kikyo’s ruse. It does confirm one thing to Kagura’s satisfaction - Naraku’s greatest opponent still lives. Sango, Miroku and Kagome continue to battle the swarming yokai who share their path. While Sango and Miroku fight the creatures, Kagome spots Kikyo’s soul collectors. They beacon her to follow them. The creatures lead Kagome through a barrier and to the edge of a small pool beneath the waterfall she spotted earlier. There, beneath the surface of the pool, lies Kikyo.
Episode 151
Aired: 5/10/04
Kagome honnou no sentaku
Kagome's Instinctive Choice
Naraku’s second evil baby has found a haven with an affluent Shogun and his Lady. As the Shogun enjoys the promise of his new son and heir, his Lady is bewildered and suspicious of the infant. She vaguely recalls the appearance of a strange little girl as well as a great tragedy that accompanied her child’s birth. The Lady isn’t sure the baby is really her child. Kohaku is also headed for the castle. During his journey he meets, and helps, one of the castle’s elderly retainers. The old man gladly offers Kohaku a job at the castle to repay his kindness. Kohaku accepts. Back in the woods Sango and Miroku finish off the attacking yokai and are joined by Inuyasha. When he doesn’t see Kagome, the others tell him she ran off chasing what looked like Kikyo’s shikigama and disappeared inside a barrier. Disturbed by the news, Inuyasha sets off to find her. Kagome, however, is safe inside the barrier. Kikyo’s shikigama guide her to the pool beneath the waterfall. Under the calm surface of the pool, Kikyo floats, motionless. The two spirits tell Kagome of Kikyo’s fateful encounter with Naraku and make a bold, desperate request - save Kikyo’s life. Kagome is the only one who can purify and heal the mortal wounds Naraku inflicted on Kikyo. Kagome doesn’t hesitate. Plunging into the painfully evil miasma-filled pool, Kagome attempts to heal her incarnation and rival. The shikigama provide Kagome with Kikyo‘s burial soil to press into Kikyo’s body that will purify Naraku’s miasma and close the dreadful wounds. In the process, Kagome experiences something she hadn’t counted on - by healing Kikyo; Kagome shares the miko’s memories. Kagome is a helpless spectator to the tragic story leading to the ‘deaths” of Inuyasha and Kikyo. Overwhelmed by emotion, Kagome barely completes healing Kikyo before passing out under water just as Kikyo regains consciousness. Kagome wakes by the side of the pool. Kikyo stands nearby, flanked by her shikigama attendants. The miko wants to know why Kagome saved her life - after all, she was offered a choice. Kagome tells Kikyo she had no choice - since she was the only one who could save Kikyo, she did. Kikyo doesn’t thank Kagome for her help; if she didn’t make a choice there’s nothing for her to be grateful for. Kikyo tells Kagome Inuyasha is on his way to find her and disappears with her two servants. Kagome is abandoned by the pool, wet, exhausted and feeling exploited. The longer Kagome thinks about her encounter with Kikyo, the more hurt and angrier with herself she becomes. Kagome convinces herself saving Kikyo was a “test” because of her romantic rivalry with Kikyo over Inuyasha. Kagome is sure Kikyo and her Shikigama are somewhere mocking her. Just as her temper flares, Inuyasha arrives and makes a big mistake looking around the area. Kagome seizes the opportunity and angrily tells him Kikyo is gone. She misinterprets Inuyasha’s relief about Kikyo for happiness, which fuels her rage. Inuyasha can’t get a break - he’s just concerned about Kagome. Seething with fury, Kagome unleashes her pent up wrath on Inuyasha and tells him she hates him. Later, Miroku and Sango attempt to counsel the confused half-demon while Kagome sits alone, sulking miserably. Inuyasha hasn’t a clue what he did wrong and is reluctant (as always) to apologize. Kagome meanwhile, is upset and regrets taking her anger out on Inuyasha. She’s convinced he must hate her after losing her temper so badly. Kagome looks up and sees Inuyasha sitting near her. He cautiously asks is she’s still angry and Kagome asks him if he’s going after Kikyo. Inuyasha reveals his traumatic encounter with the Saint and Kagome discovers he just was worried about Kikyo’s condition. Inuyasha is satisfied Kikyo is alive and moved Kagome healed her despite their jealousy. After telling Kagome he’s not pursuing Kikyo, Inuyasha asks Kagome to take back what she said about hating him. It seems Inuyasha had some hurt feelings of his own …
Episode 152
Aired: 5/17/04
Mamore soshite ubaitore!
Protect and Plunder!
Abi-Hime grows more suspicious of Naraku. She’s had nothing but trouble since they struck their deal and Abi-Hime wants out of the bargain. Abi-Hime’s mother suggests they strike at Naraku’s weakness. She knows he’s hiding something important to him at a nearby castle. Abi-Hime musters the flock and launches an attack on the palace. At the castle, the new baby receives tender attention from the court ladies. However, his “mother”, the Lady of the manor, is still dazed, confused and uncertain the child is really hers. Flashes of horrible events haunt her, and awful visions of his birth refuse to leave her head. The Lady spots a familiar face from her nightmare on the palace grounds - Kohaku. The Lady stops the boy to question him, but Kohaku’s new friend, the old man, provides an alibi - the boy arrived after the infant’s birth. Kohaku is not the only new face in the vicinity of the castle. Inuyasha and the team have arrived in the town near the palace. Miroku questions the locals all day about the demon birds without success. Since it’s late, the group decides to stay the night in town before continuing their search. At a remote mountain hideout, Kagura ponders a way to rid herself of Hakudoshi and Naraku. She watches as Abi-Hime passes by leading her flock. Evil little Hakudoshi interrupts Kagura’s musings by dispatching her to follow and spy on Abi-Hime. Tagging behind the advancing horde, Kagura watches as Abi-Hime orders her birds to destroy Naraku’s Saimyoushou: by doing so Abi-Hime proves she’s no ally of Naraku. Back at the castle and town, Kohaku and Sango spend a restless night. Kohaku has nightmares and, waking, confides to his elderly friend he’s lost his family. The old fellow reassures Kohaku and tells him that everyone who lives at the castle is like a family - he’s part of them now. Meanwhile Sango has poignant memories of Kohaku and the annihilation of their kin. Before either sibling has time to fully explore their feelings Abi-Hime attacks with her brood-thirsty birds. Kohaku’s exterminator training takes over as he cuts down the demons with chain and scythe. While battling the vicious creatures, Naraku calls to him, ordering him to protect the baby. Inuyasha and the team also rush to the castle’s defense. Enroute, Kagome senses the presence of a single Shikon shard: Kohaku must be the castle! Sango fears Kohaku may be under Naraku’s spell, complicating the situation. Sensing her concern, Inuyasha tells Sango to search for Kohaku when they reach the castle - he’ll take care Abi-Hime and the birds. Inuyasha hasn’t long to wait for Abi-Hime’s assault: she arrives with questions as well as a desire to fight. Abi-Hime asks Inuyasha why he’s protecting a castle special to Naraku when he’s supposed to be Naraku’s enemy. Her accusation is a surprise for Inuyasha and the others, as is Abi-Hime’s admission she isn’t partnered with Naraku. When Inuyasha tells Abi-Hime they intend to be the ones to destroy Naraku, Abi-Hime’s temper flares - her ego won’t allow any more orders from a mere half-breed - and she lashes out at Inuyasha with Naraku’s 3-pronged halberd. Above them, Kagura floats on her feather, keenly watching the fight. Inuyasha and Abi-Hime clash, Miroku, Kagome, Sango and the castle guards hack away at the demon birds. Kohaku successfully makes his way to the Lady’s chambers to rescue her and the baby. He leads them to safety through the inferno of the burning castle and an onslaught of ferocious demon birds. During the skirmish, one of the palace guards remarks that Kohaku fights like a demon exterminator. His comment resonates with the boy stirring up memories from his past, and Kohaku starts to remember who he was. As the castle falls and Kohaku begins to regain his memory, Naraku continues asserting his evil control over the boy. He beckons with chilling orders for Kohaku - kill those around him and take the baby.
Episode 153
Aired: 5/24/04
Ummei wa zankoku na saikai
The Fate is a Cruel Reunion
The noblewoman, courtiers and guards lavish praise on Kohaku as he prepares to battle Abi-Hime’s monstrous birds. They are unaware Kohaku is possessed by Naraku and being told to kill everyone and steal the baby. Kohaku turns on the palace guards who fall victim to the bite of his sickle chain. But this killing spree is different for Kohaku -as he slashes his victims, Kohaku is tormented by doubts and flash backs from the past. Even as Naraku’s voice urges him to murder, Kohaku’s memory starts to emerge, but it is not enough to spare the guards and court ladies. The Noblewoman watches the bloodbath in shock. She can only ask ‘why’ as Kohaku looms over her and the infant. Sango spots her brother from the air. Landing, she surveys the slaughter, recognizing the butchery as Kohaku’s doing. As Sango confronts her brother, the Lady flees with the baby, but her escape is brief; Kanna and her mirror trap her. Gazing into Kanna’s mirror, the Lady’s soul is devoured and she collapses, dead. Kanna departs with the infant. Hovering high above the fallen castle, Kagura quietly observes the drama until interrupted by Saimyousho who deliver a message: “pick up Kohaku”. Other parts of the doomed palace aren’t so quiet as Inuyasha and Abi-Hime engage in another ferocious battle. Abi-Hime’s volleys of flame are driven back by Tetsusaiga as the combatants try to destroy each other. When Kagome sees the birds flocking, Abi-Hime realizes they’ve finished their vampiric task and retreats. Although Abi-Hime leaves believing she attacked an ordinary castle rather than Naraku’s stronghold Kagome knows better - she can sense Kohaku’s Shikon fragment within the castle’s ruined walls. Kohaku’s presence means Naraku must have a connection with the palace. Elsewhere on the castle grounds, a heartbroken Sango confronts Kohaku. Gazing at his sister, Kohaku’s recall continues to return. Horrible memories flood the boy’s mind and Kohaku’s deadly past returns with such a vengeance the boy can barely stand. Sango watches helplessly while her beloved brother wrestles his inner demons. Before she can help, Kagura swoops in, scooping the boy up and escaping Distraught, Sango watches them flee. Escaping on Kagura’s feather, Kohaku’s memory returns and he clearly recalls murdering his father, the the demon exterminators, and gravely wounding Sango. Unable to live with his sin, Kohaku steps off Kagura’s feather, committing suicide. Plummeting towards his death, Kohaku recalls every evil act he performed for Naraku with agonizing, perfect clarity. But the boy cannot escape his personal hell easily -- Kagura rescues him before he hits the ground. She scolds Kohaku for trying to kill himself, but Kohaku doesn’t care if he dies. Back at the castle, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo and Miroku join Sango. Inuyasha comments on the carnage and Sango admits it was Kohaku’s doing. Shocked and grief-stricken, Sango is inconsolable. Kohaku’s action at the castle is too much to bear and Sango wonders forlornly if she could save Kohaku’s heart even if she could tear him from Naraku’s control. The team resumes their search for Abi-Hime’s avian lair. Sango recalls seeing Naraku’s evil baby in the arms of the woman Kohaku was about to kill. The connection between Naraku, the castle and Abi-Hime’s birds begins to fall into place … Enroute to Hakudoshi’s lair, Kagura has questions of her own. The puzzle comes together when Kagura realizes the baby must contain Naraku’s ‘heart’. Hakudoshi, meanwhile, confers mysteriously with one of the Saimyoushou as he waits for Kagura and Kohaku. That night, Miroku, Inuyasha and Kagome discuss their strategy. Even though Abi-Hime has betrayed Naraku, a connection remains between the birds, the blood and access to the other world. As the their discussion dwindles, they notice Sango sitting alone, miserable about Kohaku. Miroku joins her, holding her close. Abi-Hime also comforts a loved one. Because of the blood taken at the castle, the poison in Abi-Hime’s mother is now reduced and ‘Mother’ is feeling much better - so much so the bird demons plot to destroy Naraku. There are more changes at the nest as well - Naraku’s protective barrier has vanished! Back at camp, Inuyasha wakes to the scent of uncovered bird’s nest. Before he can investigate, however, Kikyo’s two Shikigami arrive. They have a message from Kikyo for Inuyasha. She wants to see him - now!
Episode 154
Aired: 5/31/04
Anoyo to tsunagaru youkai
The Demon that Links to the Other World
Kikyo’s shikigama, Kochou and Asuka, beckon Inuyasha to follow them to Kikyo’s retreat. Miroku witnesses their departure, concerned about the mysterious meeting. The shikigama lead Inuyasha deep into the forest. In a clearing, Inuyasha spots Kikyo’s soul stealers. Kikyo sits in the center of the activity, recovering her strength. She welcomes the cautious Inuyasha cordially. When he asks about her condition Kikyo tells him how Kagome purified Naraku’s poison and healed her. Kikyo then changes the subject by asking Inuyasha if he’s noticed the barrier surrounding the bird’s nest is gone. Although Inuyasha knew nothing about the barrier, once mentioned it makes perfect sense to him. A barrier around the bird’s nest would prevent him from picking up its scent. Kikyo asks if he knows what Naraku is plotting and Inuyasha replies Naraku’s after the last jewel shard located in the other world. This seems to confirm something for Kikyo and she tells Inuyasha the boundary will open soon. Back at camp, Miroku informs Kagome that Inuyasha left in the middle of the night with the shikigama. Kagome knows what that means - a rendezvous with Kikyo. The encounter between Kikyo and Inuyasha continues as she asks if his group plans to pursue Naraku into the other world. He replies “‘yes” and Kikyo warns him not to take Kagome. Naraku is luring them into a trap. He wants Kagome’s ability to see jewel fragments and plots to use her to locate the final shard. Kikyo volunteers to go instead, but Inuyasha stops her. She’s still weak and, more importantly, Inuyasha confesses he can’t protect her. He doesn’t want to see Naraku hurt her again. Kikyo relents and gives Inuyasha a special arrow for Kagome to use -- an arrow smeared with soil from Onigumo’s grave. It’s up to Kagome how well she uses the weapon. As dawn breaks at the campsite, Miroku, Sango and Shippo are concerned as the sky is filled with Naraku’s demons. The trio is also angry at Inuyasha for running off after Kikyo, again. Kagome sits alone, not far from the others, depressed over Inuyasha’s latest exploit. Inuyasha returns to camp and tells Kagome where he’s been, giving her the arrow. He confesses he went only to see if Kikyo was all right. He asks Kagome if she’s mad, and although she says she isn’t, even Inuyasha senses Kagome is upset. Elsewhere, Sessho-maru has noticed the demon activity and caught the fresh scent of the bird’s nest -- and Naraku. He sets off to investigate. The team is also on the move following the new scent trail towards the bird’s nest. As they near their destination, Kikyo’s warning weighs heavily on Inuyasha’s heart. He warns Kagome there’s danger waiting for them on the other side and promises no matter what, he’ll protect her. At the nest, Abi-Hime and Naraku have a confrontation about the castle. Abi-Hime tells Naraku her mother, Tekkei, is now much better. On cue, Tekkei explodes from the mountain, revealing a monstrous, flaming bird. Eager to be rid of Naraku, Tekkei swallows the smug scoundrel while Abi-Hime gloats. Inuyasha catches Naraku’s scent as the team draws closer to the bird’s lair. Myoga joins them, providing another clue about Naraku’s interest in the blood-sucking birds. The old flea tells them about Abi-Hime’s mother, Tekkei, and how she is related to the birds that live in on the other side. Tekkei is the connection between the living world and the next. Reminding Inuyasha how ferocious Tekkei is, Myoga leaves abruptly as the team arrives at Tekkei’s nest. Reveling in Naraku’s ‘demise’, Abi-Hime welcomes Inuyasha and the others with a threats and Tekkei informs them she’s eaten Naraku. With that, Abi-Hime launches a vicious attack on Inuyasha and the team. The demonic melee halts abruptly as Tekkei’s head splits open and Naraku emerges from her skull. Horrified and enraged, grief-stricken Abi-Hime attacks, meeting her own death at the business end of Naraku’s tentacles. The team is appalled at Naraku’s cruelty but he tells them they should be grateful to him for dispatching Abi-Hime and opening up the boundary between this world andthe next.
Episode 155
Aired: 6/7/04
Shikon no kakeru wo mamoru oni
The Devil that Guards the Shikon Shard
Smirking victoriously, Naraku severs Tekkei’s head releasing a torrent of demonic blood. The gruesome cascade is the pathway to the Other World and Naraku dares Inuyasha to follow. The group pursues Naraku down the gory, tainted river. Inside the flood, tortured faces of the souls murdered by Abi-Hime and Tekkei churn in the horrific tide. Sessho-maru and his entourage arrive at Tekkei’s nest too late to follow the others into the passage of demon blood. All that remains is Tekkei’s headless corpse. There’s little time to ponder what happened -- Kagura shows up with an offer Sessho-maru can’t refuse; she has an alternate pathway leading to Naraku and the Other World. Although Kagura warns him it’s risky, Sesshomaru accepts her invitation. Inuyasha and the others follow the grisly passage to the portal of the demon graveyard. In the distance, Inuyasha spots his father’s remains and, with Kagome at his side, leads the others towards the relic. Kagome senses something troubles Inuyasha. The Other World is affecting him badly. Inuyasha momentarily loses himself in bad memories of his childhood until Kagome jolts him back to reality. Kagome shouts she senses the fragment ahead. Suddenly, a bright flash and a lethal barrage of huge, crystalline projectiles assault them. Myoga identifies the crystals as kongouseki - diamonds! Using Tetsusaiga, Inuyasha clears a path towards their assailant. The kongouseki spears come from Inuyasha’s father’s remains and, as the team draws closer, they spot a crystalline demon clinging to the dog general’s ancient armor. Kagome pinpoints the source of the Shikon fragment. Like the diamond projectiles, the fragment’s energy comes from Inuyasha’s father. When the team goes in to investigate, the crystal creature accuses them of trespass and grave robbery. Inuyasha demands to know why the demon is stuck to his father. Surprised, the demon extends his faceted body for a closer look at the young interloper. Myoga emerges, recognizing the creature as the late Hosenki - the jewel demon. In an effort to calm the situation, Myoga introduces Inuyasha to Hosenki as the General’s son, not his enemy. Though Hosenki remembers hearing of Inuyasha, and the black pearl, he demands Inuyasha to leave. Hosenki explains he’s protecting the last Shikon jewel fragment. As the demon who rules over jewels, he can ‘hear’ their voices and the Shikon shard told him it did not want to be complete, falling into the hands of an evil creature who had corrupted the rest of the jewel. It asked to come with him into the next world when he died where it couldn’t be found. Hosenki means to honor the jewel’s request no matter what. As Hosenki refuses to submit to Inuyasha’s demand for the shard, Naraku exerts his omniscient influence over the fragment, corrupting it inside Hosenki without the ancient demon’s detection. Although Hosenki doesn’t notice his change of aura, Inuyasha and the others do, and feel the sudden presence of Naraku, as well. Hosenki renews his attack with vigor and diamond spears shoot from his body. Inuyasha struggles to defend himself with Tetsusaiga, but his blows have little effect on the montser’s brittle surface. Complicating the battle, Inuyasha suffers another bout of flashbacks and Hosenki takes advantage of his momentary weakness. As Inuyasha hacks away in vain at Hosenki, the others try to help. Sango destroys some of the jeweled salvo with the Hiraikotsu and Kagome draws a bead on the corrupted jewel fragment inside Housenki. Although Kagome’s arrows find their target, Hosenki is resistant to even her power: Hosenki is a Great Demon and his power is massive. Kagome reaches for Kikyo’s special arrow, but it rejects her much to her dismay, and Inuyasha’s. Noticing a flaw in Hosenki’s diamond body where the first arrow struck, Inuyasha instructs Kagome to shoot another arrow into the same spot. She does, weakening Hosenki enough for Inuyasha to blast the wound with Tetsusaiga. Enraged by the duel attack, Hosenki reaches out with his massive, faceted arm swatting Inuyasha like a fly, sending his battered, bloody body hurtling out of sight into depths of the thick mists far below.
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